County Board members last week honored major milestones for a South Arlington church and North Arlington civic association.
Board members on Sept. 22 saluted Green Valley’s Mount Zion Baptist Church, which this year is marking its 160th anniversary.
The church is “a place of faith, a place of leadership, service and lasting contributions to Arlington,” Board member Julius “J.D.” Spain, Sr., said.
Church leaders including Rev. André D. Ivy, the church’s senior pastor, accepted the proclamation.
Mount Zion traces its roots to the Old Bell Church, established in Freedman’s Village in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. The congregation grew under the leadership of Rev. Robert S. Laws, who served as pastor from 1866-75.
Earlier this year, Ivy and parishioners traveled to Pittsburgh for the unveiling of a new memorial marker at the grave of Laws, who died in 1903.
Spain said Mount Zion and its congregation have played an important role in the religious and civic life of Arlington.
“Its impact reaches well beyond the walls of the church,” he said, pointing to efforts connected to education, health and civic leadership.
The congregation also has supported the establishment of other churches, Spain said.
Lyon Village Citizens’ Association honored: Also at the meeting, Board members marked Sept. 22 as “Lyon Village Day,” marking the 100th anniversary of the Lyon Village Citizens’ Association.
The association provided civic leadership, service and a strong sense of community, the resolution noted.
The Lyon Village neighborhood traces its roots to slightly before the establishment of the civic association. It was founded in 1923 and community leaders say it is best known for its “tree-lined streets, eclectic homes and friendly neighborhoods.”
Like the Lyon Park neighborhood further south, Lyon Village takes its name from developer and community leader Frank Lyon (1867-1955). The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Civic volunteer lauded: Also honored at the meeting was Elisa Ortiz, a 23-year resident of Arlington who has served on the Transportation Commission, Neighborhood Traffic Calming Committee, Neighborhood Complete Streets Commission, Complete Count Committee and Complete Vaccine Committee.
“Her impact will endure, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Board members said in issuing the proclamation.
Ortiz was unable to be at the meeting, but will be presented with the honor at a later date.
